Career development in the biomedical sciences involves defining career goals and building professional skills in addition to research. Trainees can expect career development from their advisors, committees, colleagues, professional societies and from seminar and workshops provided by the Office of Graduate Education.

The Professional Skills Program, supported by the Office of Graduate Education, addresses career development. Sessions of the Professional Skills Program have included grant writing skills, issues concerning foreign scientists in labs, intellectual property, writing a development plan, exit strategies for leaving the postdoc, and research in small colleges. A list of current and previous sessions and presenters is available.

The Biomedical Graduate Student Organization (BGSO) organizes career development workshops that focus on different career tracks, selection of postodoctoral positions, CVs, preparation of fellowship applications and networking. Please see the BGSO Graduate Student Survival Guide and GSS Mentoring Guide.

Trainees benefit by using Individual Development Plans in goal setting. CWRU has adopted the use of an Individual Development Plan (IDP) as a way to ensure these conversations take place at least annually. The IDP is prepared by the trainee, highlighting research goals, presentations and skills training and then discussed together periodically. We strongly suggest that trainees complete this process within three- six months of appointment and re-visit the IDP at least annually. Please see http://postdoc.case.edu for more information and instructions.

Career Basics for Biomedical Researchers

Professional Skills Presentations:

Fellowship Grants NRSA F32 by Tony Prosdocismo

K08 Fellowship Grants by Kerry O. Grimberg

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Online Writing Course for postdocs - Writing in the Sciences

Individual Development Plan 2012

myIDP: This new website designed to help graduate students and postdoctoral fellows create an Individual Development Plan (IDP) provides:

• Exercises to help you examine your skills, interests, and values
• A list of 20 scientific career paths with a prediction of which ones best fit your skills and interests
• A tool for setting strategic goals for the coming year, with optional reminders to keep you on track
• Articles and resources to guide you through the process

Career Basics: Advice and Resources for Scientists, a booklet providing advice and help on preparing CVs and resumes, writing grants and scientific papers, networking, and much more.

What Goes in a Resume or CV?, presentation by Kimberly Paik of CWRU Career Center.

Postdoctoral positions at the NIH: a web listing of available research and training opportunities.

Presidential Management Fellows program: a prestigious two-year paid fellowship in a US government agency.

Interviewing Skills and Evaluating Offers: National Institutes of Health Office of Intramural Training and Education

Specific information on Fellowship and Grant Writing and Teaching Careers is available.